Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...

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Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...
Mid West
Investment Plan 2011 – 2021
Mid West Vision
“Making the Mid West a better place to live, work, study and invest!”

Prepared by the Mid West Development Commission in consultation
with Federal, State and Local Government agencies and non
government organisations.
Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...
Chairman’s Foreword                          1   SECTION 2                                                       11
Introduction                                 2   MID WEST INVESTMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES                             11
Overview of Mid West Investment Plan        3     Project Objectives Summary                                      12
  Mid West Investment Plan Structure        4      Outcome 1: Substantial Increase in Population                  16
  Consultation                              4      Outcome 2: Refreshed and Revitalised Mid West                  18
  Project Prioritisation                    4      Outcome 3: Enhanced Regional Unity and Promotion               19
                                                   Outcome 4 - Balanced Urban and Coastal Development             20
  Process                                   4
                                                   Outcome 5 - Improved Government Services                       21
SECTION 1                                   5      Outcome 6 - Effective Health Service Delivery                  22
THE MID WEST REGION                         5      Outcome 7 - A Skilled and Educated Mid West Community          25
 Regional Summary                           6      Outcome 8 - Positive Outcomes for Aboriginal People            27
  The Mid West region and Sub Regions       6      Outcome 9 - Improved Regional Infrastructure to Facilitate Coastal
                                                   and Inland Development                                         28
  Local Government in the Mid West          6      Road transport                                                 29
  Murchison                                 6      Rail                                                           29
  North Midlands                            7      Outcome 10 - Prosperous and Diverse Primary Industries         33
  Batavia Coast                             7      Outcome 11 - Diversified and Enhanced Minerals
                                                   and Energy Industries                                          34
 Coordinated Planning In the Mid West       8      Outcome 12 - Continued Expansion of the
  Mid West Regional Planning Committee      8      Tourism Industry.                                              35
  Infrastructure Coordinating Committee     8      Outcome 13 - Establishment of New and
                                                   Innovative Industries and Services                             36
  Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group   9      The SMART Economy                                              36
 Mid West Economy                           9      Manufacturing                                                  37
 Infrastructure in the Mid West             9      Outcome 14 – A Valued and Protected Environment                38
  Oakajee                                   10   SECTION 3                                                       39
  Mid West Energy Stage 1 and 2             10   FLAGSHIP PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES                               39
  SMART Mid West and Murchison                     “Flagship” Projects Summary Table                              40
  Radio-astronomy Observatory               10   References and Supporting Information                           43
                                                 Acronyms                                                        43
                                                 Appendix 1: Sub Regions of the Mid West                         45
                                                  Batavia Coast sub region                                        45
                                                   City of Geraldton-Greenough                                    45
                                                   Shire of Chapman Valley                                        45
                                                   Shire of Irwin                                                 46
                                                   Shire of Northampton                                           46
                                                  Murchison sub region                                            47
                                                   Shire of Cue                                                   47
                                                   Shire of Meekatharra                                           48
                                                   Shire of Mount Magnet                                          48
                                                   Shire of Murchison                                             48
                                                   Shire of Sandstone                                             49
                                                   Shire of Wiluna                                                49
                                                   Shire of Yalgoo                                                49
                                                  North Midlands                                                  50
                                                   Shire of Carnamah                                              50
                                                   Shire of Coorow                                                50
                                                   Shire of Mingenew                                              50
                                                   Shire of Morawa                                                51
                                                   Shire of Mullewa                                               51
                                                   Shire of Perenjori                                             51
                                                   Shire of Three Springs                                         51
Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...
Chairman’s Foreword                                              2. Enhance the
                                                                    liveability of
                                                                    communities
The impetus for the development of the Mid West                     - in particular
Investment Plan (MWIP) was the Leaving a Legacy                     those which, with the
Workshop held in Perenjori in April 2010. A key message             right public and private
from the Minister for Regional Development, Hon                     investment, can capture
Brendon Grylls MLA, to the participants was to undertake            benefits from
integrated planning that clearly outlined the region’s              nearby major
strategic priorities.                                               projects.
It was a clear call for the region’s strategic priorities           These benefits
to be articulated via a “master plan” as the Mid West               include
region enters a period of unprecedented growth                      employment
and opportunity. By engaging the community and                      opportunities, attraction
government in local decision making, the resultant MWIP             and retention of at
summarises the community needs and can be used                      least a portion of
to leverage funding and support applications through                major projects’
Federal and State Government programs.                              workforces, and
                                                                    business expansion
The March 2011 edition of Mid West Development                      and attraction; and
Commission’s (MWDC) Mid West Major Projects
Summary highlights that more than $19 billion worth              3. Progress aspirational projects (renewable energy,
of projects are being planned or proposed for the Mid               SMART projects), which communities and MWDC
West over the next 5-7 years. This creates intense                  believe will help enhance and diversify the region’s
challenges that must be addressed as well as wonderful              economic base.
opportunities to be captured. These projects will bring          The full MWIP contains 300+ projects collectively
with them considerable infrastructure development, much          valued in excess of $3 billion (excluding Oakajee and
funded by the private sector, which must be supported            SKA related projects). However, the first stage in
by appropriate public investment.                                implementation will focus on the delivery of “Flagship”
In particular, the projects will assist to significantly boost   projects, moving onto other projects identified as
the population of the Mid West with one study indicating         High Priorities in the future.
that the population of the Mid West has the potential to         This document reflects the processes taken to identify
grow from its current 55,000 to around 80,000 by 2021.           the regional needs and the local decision making
The development of the MWIP, in concert with the                 involved in setting priorities. One of the major challenges
preparation of the Western Australian Planning                   in developing the MWIP was the complexity of this
Commission’s (WAPC) Mid West Regional Planning                   large, diverse region and dealing with how the regional
and Infrastructure Framework (MWRPIF), creates an                needs and priorities will change over time. Therefore,
integrated process that works across portfolios and/             this version of the MWIP reflects the needs of 2010/11
or agencies to overcome “silo” planning. The MWRPIF              across the Mid West’s three sub regions, taking into
is being prepared by the Department of Planning (DOP)            consideration predictions of population growth and
in consultation with the WAPC’s Mid West Regional                economic development in the future. However, to
Planning Committee (MWRPC) and Infrastructure                    maximise the benefit to the region, this plan must form
Coordinating Committee (ICC). It is important to note            the beginning of a ‘living’ process, annually updated and
that the MWIP takes much of its strategic context from           reviewed to ensure that the Mid West remains a great
the MWRPIF to ensure investment, both public and                 place to live, work, study and invest.
private (where appropriate), is targeted to deliver the          In closing, a document such as this can only be as strong
best and most sustainable outcomes for Mid West                  as the level of commitment and input from the regional
communities and in alignment with the MWRPIF.                    stakeholders. It is clear that the Mid West community
The MWIP has significant local government, Mid West              has made a strong contribution to the consultation
based agency and industry support. Developed on the              process in the development of the MWIP. I would like to
basis of the Mid West’s three distinct sub regions, the          specifically note the support provided by the Department
goals of the MWIP are to:                                        of Regional Development and Lands throughout the
                                                                 development of this plan and thank all other people and
1. Revitalise decayed social and community                       agencies involved.
   infrastructure in a number of communities/sub
   regions;

                                                                 Hon. Murray Criddle
                                                                 Chair Mid West Development Commission Board

                                                                                                       Mid West Investment Plan 1
Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...
Figure 1: the Mid West Region

                                   Introduction
                                   The Mid West and the Western Australian Government
                                   are ideally placed to plan for sustainable futures
                                   having gained from the experiences from previous
                                   phases of economic growth, particularly in the Pilbara
                                   and Goldfields. Recognising the negative impact in
                                   other regions from inadequate provision of economic,
                                   community and social support infrastructure is a
                                   significant incentive to think and plan for balanced, long
                                   term outcomes.
                                   The benefits of timely and strategic public investment in
                                   the Mid West will have impacts that extend outside of the
                                   region, even providing nationally significant outcomes
                                   including:
                                   •   optimising returns for the Mid West’s export
                                       industries with a well developed and efficient
                                       infrastructure framework;
                                   •   creating diversity of industry which lays a platform for
                                       sustainable growth; and
                                   •   reflecting relevant, proactive planning approaches
                                       that meet local community needs and aspirations.
                                   MWDC intends to use the MWIP in conjunction with
                                   the MWRPIF to secure and guide public and private
                                   investment into the Mid West region.

2 Mid West Investment Plan
Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...
Overview of Mid West
Investment Plan
Together with the MWRPIF, the MWIP is designed to
provide a strategic direction for the Mid West region
over the next ten years to 2021. The MWIP outlines the
community priorities in the Mid West as a set of projects
designed to have an impact across the region. In the
development of this document, the intent has been to
characterise the region and its component sub regions
and outline the specific objectives that MWDC considers
important in delivering its vision across the region.
Through the process, the MWDC has taken the following
into consideration:
•   Recognise that a ‘balanced’ region requires
    investment in both the economic and social/
    community support infrastructure to support the
    aspirational goals of the community;
•   Engage the wider community and all tiers of
    government to identify existing and emerging
    infrastructure pressures throughout the Mid West and
    Western Australia over the next 10 to 20 years;
•   Collate these infrastructure requirements and
    prioritise according to relevant criteria;
•   Work with the public and private sectors to identify
    investment opportunities and form working
    partnerships to deliver projects to the region in a
    timely fashion;
•   Create a greater level of certainty about the priorities
    and timing of major infrastructure development;
                                                               To deliver on the priorities within the MWIP, effective
•   Provide a framework for identification of infrastructure
                                                               partnerships will be required between:
    needs and a process for ensuring new projects are
    incorporated into an evolving MWIP; and                    •   Local government
•   Develop project budgets based on an appropriate            •   Regional Development Council
    mix of investment from both the public and private
                                                               •   Department of Regional Development and Lands
    sectors.
                                                               •   Western Australian Regional Development Trust
In addition, the following aspirational goals were in place
and projects that were considered high priority generally      •   Aboriginal groups
satisfied one or more of the following criteria:               •   Non government organisations
•   capturing opportunities;                                   •   Planning committees
•   improving the quality of life:                             •   Communities
•   increasing social equity;                                  •   State government departments
•   enhancing economic diversity and productivity; and         •   Federal government – including Regional
•   reducing the impacts on the environment.                       Development Australia
                                                               •   Industry eg Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance
                                                               •   Non profit organisations

                                                                                                       Mid West Investment Plan 3
Mid West Investment Plan 2011 2021 - Mid West Development ...
Mid West Investment Plan Structure
   The Plan is presented in three sections. SECTION ONE         A ‘Master List’ of the recognised infrastructure needs
   provides an outline of the Mid West and the social,          was developed through reference to the Mid West
   economic, planning and infrastructure considerations         Infrastructure Analysis (WAPC, 2008) and consultation
   taken into account in the development of the MWIP.           with local government at the sub regional Country Local
   SECTION TWO outlines the objectives for the Mid West         Government Fund (CLGF) planning workshops. Further
   region, with each having a series of priorities to provide   detail was obtained through direct dialogue with regional
   a focal point for actions. SECTION THREE – PRIORITY          government and non government organisations in
   PROJECTS and MASTER LIST details the initiatives and         interviews and two workshop events. The workshops at
   projects required to be undertaken in the Mid West to        the beginning and end of the consultation phase provided
   enhance the Region’s economic and social development.        several opportunities for regional decision making.
   The key components of the MWIP are the investment            Furthermore, the MWDC maintains a register of proposed
   in economic infrastructure (railways, roads, ports,          and planned projects in the region.
   communication, electricity and utilities) and the social
   and community infrastructure (health, education, town        Project Prioritisation
   revitalisation and recreation facilities).                   Through this process, an agreed list of Mid West projects
                                                                was assessed and prioritised into three categories:
   Consultation                                                 •   High – projects that will provide significant economic
   To ensure the projects that make up the MWIP reflect             and/or social benefit to the local community and
   the community views, extensive consultation and                  demonstrate regional benefits. Essential for
   assessment of existing planning processes occurred               economic growth;
   throughout the region. In establishing the potential
   projects within the Mid West, all tiers of government,       •   Medium – projects that provide valuable social and/
   non profits, industry, community and private sectors were        or economic benefits. Broad regional benefit and
   consulted directly on at least two occasions and more            important for regional growth; and
   frequently via telecommunication.                            •   Low – provide some social and/or economic benefits
                                                                    as well as broader regional benefits. Worthwhile for
                                                                    regional growth.
                                                                After further consolidation of project details, the MWDC
                                                                Board identified the “Flagship” projects. These were
                                                                categorised as absolutely essential to the region and had
                                                                a demonstrated need to be progressed substantially or
                                                                completed within four years, therefore requiring urgent
                                                                funding consideration.
                                                                It is important to note that priorities identified in the
                                                                MWIP were determined by sub regional communities
                                                                and the MWDC Board. The focus of many of these high
                                                                priorities and “Flagship” projects has been on community
                                                                related infrastructure, noting that these predominantly
                                                                sub regional projects were generally not the focus of the
                                                                MWRPIF.

                                                                Process
                                                                Each of the projects has been divided into relevant
                                                                categories, which include the following. The key areas
                                                                under which the MWIP is being developed include:
                                                                •   Infrastructure and Services
                                                                •   Community Development and Town Centre
                                                                    Revitalisation
                                                                •   Tourism
                                                                •   Industry
                                                                •   Housing and Land Development
                                                                •   Utilities
                                                                •   Health
                                                                •   Education
                                                                •   Energy
                                                                •   Maritime
                                                                •   Environment

4 Mid West Investment Plan
SECTION 1
THE MID WEST REGION

                      Mid West Investment Plan 5
Regional Summary                                            Murchison
                                                               The Murchison comprises the shires of Cue, Murchison,
                                                               Meekatharra, Yalgoo, Wiluna, Sandstone and Mount
   The Mid West Region and Sub Regions                         Magnet. It covers 88% of the region’s landmass but
   The Mid West extends from Green Head to Kalbarri            has only 6% of the Mid West population (approximately
   and more than 800 km inland to Wiluna, covering             3,450). Retaining and growing population share is a
   approximately 466,766 km2 or nearly one-fifth of the area   significant challenge and largely dependent on influencing
   of Western Australia. The region is home to an Estimated    a change in fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) workforce approaches
   Resident Population (ERP) of 54,984 (Australian Bureau of   of resource companies. Despite low population, the
   Statistics (ABS) 2009) in settlements ranging from small    Murchison hosts the majority of existing and proposed
   villages to a regional city.                                resource projects.
                                                               Due to the remote location and ‘radio quietness’ of this
   Local Government in the Mid West                            sub region, the Murchison has been selected as one of
   The large area and widely dispersed settlements are         two possible sites for the 1.5 billion Euro International
   serviced by 18 local governments in the Mid West,           Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope. Through
   divided into three distinct sub regions that demonstrate    the development of the preliminary studies and
   similarities of environment, land use, demography,          construction of the Australian Square Kilometre Array
   industry and issues. Throughout the development of          Pathfinder (ASKAP) at the Murchison Radio-astronomy
   the MWIP, consultation with local government and the        Observatory (MRO), this internationally significant
   community has been along sub regional groupings.            scientific project has already delivered tangible benefits
   Importantly, experience has shown that effective            to the region, which are expected to increase as the
   engagement necessitates such an approach, providing         project progresses.
   each sub region with the capacity and opportunity to
                                                               Historically, the production of wool on pastoral stations
   present their specific local priorities. Further details
                                                               was the complementary industry to mining. Over a
   of each of the local governments are provided in
                                                               decade of dry seasons, increasing predation by wild dogs
   Appendix 1.
                                                               and global economic impacts on wool markets have all
                                                               negatively impacted the pastoral industry. Tourism is an
                                                               increasingly important industry for the economic diversity
                                                               of the region and outback tourism has great potential for
                                                               growth.
                                                               Approximately 30% of the Murchison sub region’s
                                                               population is Aboriginal, however, ABS population
                                                               estimates of the Aboriginal population is likely to be
                                                               significantly understated. There is evidence of significant
                                                               social disadvantage in Murchison communities, with
                                                               education and health outcomes below the regional
                                                               average. However, this tends to be obscured in data
                                                               presented on a regional basis.

6 Mid West Investment Plan
North Midlands                                                   Given its climate
The North Midlands comprises the shires of Carnamah,             and latitude, the
Coorow, Morawa, Perenjori, Mingenew, Three Springs               North Midlands are
and Mullewa and is home to 10% of the Mid West                   identified as one of
population (approximately 5,400). A significant proportion       Australia’s best locations for
of the North Midlands (11%) population are Aboriginal,           renewable energy projects,
however, some towns have higher proportional Aboriginal          with wind, solar and hot
populations. For example, 28% of people in Mullewa and           rocks all providing
23% of people in Morawa identify as Aboriginal.                  real development
                                                                 opportunities.
The North Midlands population tends to be older, as              While renewables
young people often leave to pursue education and work            would provide
opportunities elsewhere. Once again, retaining and               economic
growing its population share is a challenge to the North         diversity, this development
Midlands, where the ageing demographic tends to retire           is impeded by current
to the coast.                                                    reliance on access
Since the first settlement of this sub region in the mid         to the South West
1800s, agriculture has dominated the landscape and               Interconnected System
remains the predominant industry base supporting                 (SWIS) transmission
the population. Farm amalgamation, a decade of dry               infrastructure, which is
seasons, increasing fuel prices, declining profit margins,       inadequate for current
uncertainty in commodity markets and GFC related credit          loads, let alone forecast load growth.
constraints have all driven structural adjustment within
the agriculture sector.                                          Batavia Coast
                                                                 The Batavia Coast sub region comprises the primary
More recently, a number of iron ore projects within close
                                                                 centre of Geraldton-Greenough and the surrounding
proximity to towns such as Perenjori and Morawa have
                                                                 shires of Chapman Valley, Irwin and Northampton. The
been developed and two long life magnetite projects
                                                                 majority (84%) of the region’s population lives in the
(Karara and Asia Iron Extension Hill) provide major
                                                                 coastal locations of Geraldton, Dongara and Kalbarri,
economic opportunities for a number of North Midlands
                                                                 with 37,900 people (est. 2009) residing in the City of
communities. Concerns have been raised about housing
                                                                 Geraldton-Greenough.
availability and the timely provision of social infrastructure
in Morawa and Perenjori in particular, to capture benefits       Geraldton is the regional centre for retail, manufacturing,
associated with these projects.                                  commercial fishing, shipping, transport, health services,
                                                                 education (preschool through to tertiary level) and is
On the coastal fringe of the North Midlands, including
                                                                 the seat of Mid West government business. Geraldton
the coastal towns of Green Head and Leeman, western
                                                                 is at the heart of a sub region characterised by rapidly
rock lobster (WRL) fishing is a significant local industry.
                                                                 growing communities within these coastal shires, which
Since 2009/10, the WRL industry has undergone major
                                                                 will provide the base for the population expansion in the
changes due to alarming biological indicators driving
                                                                 Mid West region.
the Department of Fisheries to adopt an alternative
fisheries management strategy. The introduction of               The Batavia Coast attracts significant numbers of visitors
a Total Allowable Catch for the fishery and individual           keen to experience the coastline in proximity to good
quota allocations to licence holders is probably the most        amenities. Completion of the Indian Ocean Drive will
substantial change to the WRL industry since 1963 when           increase opportunities and further development of tourist
it was declared a limited entry fishery. The changes will        product.
assist ensure the viability of the industry as well as the
                                                                 Centres in the Batavia Coast have the potential to
sustainability of the fishery.
                                                                 facilitate fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in/drive-out (DIDO)
There is growing pressure for the coastal settlements            arrangements to their respective mines and base their
of Green Head and Leeman to expand. This pressure                usual residence in these coastal localities.
will increase now that Indian Ocean Drive has been
completed and there is potential for further development
pressure and increased tourist numbers in the coastal
areas of this sub region.
Tourism is important in the North Midlands with coastal,
holiday peak seasons being a focus for many southern
Western Australians. However, the inland attractions of
heritage and wildflowers are driving the development
of new tourist trails to capitalise on attractions that are
available outside of the relatively short wildflower season.

                                                                                                          Mid West Investment Plan 7
Coordinated Planning in the Mid West                          Mid West Regional Planning Committee
   Good regional investment planning is essential to             The DOP and WAPC operate a number of Regional
   the delivery of balanced outcomes over such a large           Planning Committees throughout the State. The MWRPC
   and diverse region. An estimated $19 billion worth of         is developing the MWRPIF. This sets the strategic
   projects are planned or in progress in the Mid West over      planning framework at a regional level and endeavours
   the next 5-7 years. The major proposed project is the         to address the region’s major strategic economic
   Oakajee development, which is considered “the single          infrastructure priorities such as port, rail, industrial
   most important project for Western Australia’s economic       estate and infrastructure service corridors etc. As part
   development over the next 50 years” (Premier Colin            of developing the Framework, a process was run by the
   Barnett, March 2009).                                         MWRPC and the DOP to identify and prioritise regional
                                                                 infrastructure requirements in the Mid West. For the
   Oakajee will trigger major investment through the
                                                                 purpose of this process, infrastructure was broadly
   region. Development of suitable social and community
                                                                 classified as being regionally significant if it would:
   support infrastructure will complement the substantial
   economic infrastructure existing and proposed for the         •   support or enable the development of the regional
   Mid West. The MWIP aims to identify the opportunities             economy; and/or
   for investment in infrastructure to support regional growth   •   perform a function that caters for a regional
   and be prepared for the real pressures likely to be placed        catchment.
   on existing infrastructure by massive developments such
   as Oakajee and its associated mining projects. The            Identifying the Mid West’s regionally significant
   timely provision of socio-economic infrastructure affords     infrastructure requirements involved extensive
   a unique opportunity for hinterland communities to            consultation with State Government agencies and other
   capture long term benefit from the resources sector.          regional stakeholders.

   In order to address challenges and capture opportunities,     Once identified, the regional infrastructure projects
   considerable coordination between the various planning        were prioritised by the MWRPC and the Infrastructure
   processes currently being undertaken in the region is         Coordinating Committee (ICC) at a joint workshop held
   required. Courtesy of the MWIP and the MWRPIF, the            in November 2010. The outcomes of this process were
   Mid West is now ideally placed to deliver infrastructure in   endorsed by both committees in February 2011 and have
   line with regional strategic planning.                        subsequently been incorporated into the MWRPIF. The
                                                                 Framework will soon be released by WAPC as a draft
                                                                 document for public comment along with a supporting
                                                                 document, the Mid West Regional Infrastructure Priorities
                                                                 Project 2010 Workshop Paper, which consolidates the
                                                                 proceedings and outcomes of the joint workshop.

                                                                 Infrastructure Coordinating Committee
                                                                 The Committee consists of Directors General of the
                                                                 State Government Departments involved in the provision
                                                                 of infrastructure in the State and advises the WAPC on
                                                                 planning for the provision of physical and community
                                                                 infrastructure throughout the State. It has the powers to
                                                                 coordinate the metropolitan development program, the
                                                                 country land development program, and the provision of
                                                                 infrastructure for land development.
                                                                 The ICC was actively involved in the process run by
                                                                 the MWRPC to identify and prioritise the Mid West’s
                                                                 regional infrastructure requirements and participated in
                                                                 the November 2010 joint workshop. In February 2011
                                                                 the ICC endorsed the findings of the joint workshop with
                                                                 the MWRPC and supported the release of the Mid West
                                                                 Regional Infrastructure Priorities Project 2010 Workshop
                                                                 Paper. This process will allow the WAPC, through the
                                                                 ICC, to provide the State Government with a coordinated
                                                                 position on the Mid West priority regional infrastructure
                                                                 requirements.

8 Mid West Investment Plan
Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group                              1. Heavy rail
The Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group (MWSIG)                     transport is
was established in mid 2005 by the MWDC to support                      critical for
the timely development of strategic infrastructure (roads,              some large
rail, port, power, water etc) necessary to facilitate major             mining projects and the
projects. This Group, which continues to meet bi                        development of a robust
monthly, focuses on resources projects and specifically                 rail network will be
the establishment of an iron ore industry in the Mid West.              instrumental to
MWSIG provides a regular forum for regional officers to                 the prosperity
keep up to date with progress of the many current and                   of current
planned projects for the Mid West, and acts as a key                    and future
regional coordination group.                                            resource
                                                                        projects;
Mid West Economy                                                     2. Establishment of rail and
Despite the challenges of servicing a large geographic                  infrastructure corridors,
area, the advantage of the Mid West is its broad                        including detailed
economic base. It is dominated by mining with major                     alignment planning,
contributions from agriculture, retail, tourism, fishing,               land acquisition and
aquaculture, construction, renewable energy, technology                 assembly;
and manufacturing industries.
                                                                     3. Future water supply
The Gross Regional Product (GRP) for the Mid                            and associated infrastructure requirements for the
West region in 2009/10 (see fig. 2) was $4.5 billion,                   hematite and magnetite projects are uncertain;
representing a 2.4% contribution to Gross State Product
                                                                     4. Power supply has been identified as inadequate by
(Mid West: a region in profile 2011 - Department of
                                                                        industry and several local governments. This has
Regional Development and Lands (RDL); MWDC). Mining
                                                                        the potential to act as an impediment to additional
constitutes 52% of the GRP for the region.
                                                                        growth and development;
Figure 2. 2009/10 Gross Regional Products by Sector (%)
                                                                     5. Parts of the road network throughout the region
                    Retail, 11    Manufacturing, 9                      require upgrades based on current condition and this
        Oil & Gas, 1                                                    will be exacerbated by ongoing and increased heavy
                                          Tourism, 5
 Mineral Sands, 6
                                                                        vehicle usage;
                                                                     6. Uncertainty regarding the full scale of resource
Copper & Other                                                          operations, and actual population growth rates,
                                                   Agriculture, 16
 Minerals, 10                                                           means that the demonstrated need for government
                                                                        investment will remain a contentious issue;
                                                                     7. Strategic planning support has not kept pace with the
     Iron Ore, 7                               Fishing, 4
                                                                        increased volume of statutory planning applications;
                                            Construction, 3             and
                                       Nickel, 8                     8. A number of inland towns have declining populations
                     Gold, 20
                                                                        and are working to gain economic growth as a spin
                                                                        off from resource development in the region. It is not
Infrastructure in the Mid West                                          clear how growth in this sector will influence these
                                                                        towns, but there is a strong desire to plan to identify
The WAPC’s Mid West Infrastructure Analysis (MWIA)
                                                                        and capture benefits wherever they exist. One such
(2008) provided options for consideration by Government.
                                                                        opportunity is to make towns (eg Morawa, Perenjori,
This report recommended a more realistic medium term
                                                                        Dongara, Geraldton) more ‘liveable’ such that some
projection to ensure the existing core infrastructure,
                                                                        proportion of the mining workers from nearby Karara
particularly rail, roads, port and social infrastructure is
                                                                        and Extension Hill may reside locally.
upgraded and maintained, and further strategic planning
for urban and industrial growth is undertaken. Within                The growth of the resources sector in the Mid West is
the region key infrastructure is in need of revitalisation           somewhat limited by the current state of the infrastructure
and reinforcement. There are constraints to future                   in the region. The Mid West Infrastructure Forum held
development imposed by inadequate capacity across a                  in Geraldton by the MWDC in April 2005 highlighted two
number of key areas.                                                 major infrastructure bottlenecks in getting product from
                                                                     the mine to market. These are 1) the lack of an efficient,
The MWIA was undertaken to identify the current and
                                                                     high capacity rail network; and 2) that the Geraldton port
future demands for infrastructure that had a whole
                                                                     is constrained by the size of ships it can handle. The
of region impact. This examination of Mid West
                                                                     establishment of a strategic (heavy) industrial area was
infrastructure identified the following as key issues:
                                                                     noted as a potential third obstacle. The establishment of
                                                                     Oakajee would address these bottlenecks.

                                                                                                           Mid West Investment Plan 9
Oakajee                                                      Mid West Energy Stage 1 is the construction of
   The proposed development of the Oakajee deepwater            transmission lines from Pinjar to Eneabba (Carnamah),
   port and industrial estate (initially driven by the high     which connects through to the Karara and subsequently
   volume hematite and magnetite iron ore projects) is          to Asia Iron (Extension Hill) mining projects east of
   anticipated to create significant economic activity and      Morawa / Perenjori. Mid West Energy Stage 2 involves
   pressures on existing infrastructure. State and Federal      the construction of power lines from Eneabba to Oakajee
   funding of $678 million for common use port facilities       (159 km). It is identified as a key regional priority
   reflects the importance of the Oakajee project at national   and the State Government is seeking funding for this
   and state levels.                                            development through Infrastructure Australia.

   The existing Geraldton Port will continue to play a vital    This infrastructure will enable the region to optimise the
   role in facilitating new mineral exports but does not have   significant opportunity for a diverse renewable energy
   the capacity to manage expected iron exports upwards of      sector from demonstrated wind resources, potential
   45 mtpa and potentially 100 mtpa. In addition, Geraldton     wave energy, geothermal leases, some of the highest
   Port is constrained by depth and urban development.          solar indices in Australia for photovoltaic or solar thermal
                                                                plants and ample land to develop bio fuel resources.
   Mid West Energy Stage 1 and 2                                The 20% target for renewable energy in 2020 and likely
                                                                carbon pricing place the Mid West in an advantageous
   The provision of power is seen by regional stakeholders,
                                                                position to become a focus for the production of
   including MWDC, as the single biggest impediment to
                                                                renewable power.
   growth in the Mid West region. The major development
   projects that are planned heighten the Mid West’s need
                                                                SMART Mid West and Murchison Radio-
   for a secure, high capacity electricity transmission
   network to underpin the future economic and social           astronomy Observatory
   growth of the region. The proposed project is broken into    MWDC has progressed a SMART Mid West policy
   two phases and involves upgrading the existing 132 kV to     for over a decade. It involves the development
   a double circuit 330 kV transmission line.                   and integration of education, training and research
                                                                institutions within the Mid West, together with the
                                                                technology, processes and infrastructure by which they
                                                                operate. An objective is the transfer and involvement
                                                                of this knowledge base to Mid West industry and the
                                                                community. The MWDC has used SMART Mid West
                                                                to form partnerships with education and technology
                                                                stakeholders and some of the notable outcomes include
                                                                the establishment of the Geraldton Universities Centre
                                                                (GUC), the Separation Point Marine Precinct (SPMP), the
                                                                Mid West Science Summits and the ASKAP project.
                                                                The Mid West is establishing one of the world’s premier
                                                                sites for radio astronomy at the MRO in Boolardy Station
                                                                – 280km north east of Geraldton. The Federal and State
                                                                governments (and a range of other partners) have already
                                                                committed funds to precursor projects including the
                                                                Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP)
                                                                and the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) project. This
                                                                commitment has included the development of the
                                                                National Broadband Network (NBN) project between
                                                                Perth and Geraldton and further connection between
                                                                Geraldton and the MRO. There is a commitment to build
                                                                a facility support centre in Geraldton to support radio
                                                                astronomy projects. There is also potential to facilitate
                                                                the development of locally based technology industries.
                                                                There is significant opportunity to identify and capture
                                                                synergies with all ‘SMART’ projects and infrastructure
                                                                to diversify the Mid West’s economic base, enhance
                                                                communications and service delivery, and increase
                                                                student participation in tertiary education. The
                                                                development of the region’s renewable energy sector,
                                                                and the further development of the GUC and the Durack
                                                                Institute of Technology (Durack) are in keeping with this
                                                                ethos.

10 Mid West Investment Plan
SECTION 2
MID WEST INVESTMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES

                               Mid West Investment Plan 11
Project Objectives Summary                                   Outcome 2
                                                                A refreshed and revitalised Mid West
   Outcome 1
                                                                •   Revitalisation of the smaller towns throughout the
   Sustainable increase in population                               Mid West with investment in essential recreational,
   •    Population growth across the Mid West Region.               cultural and heritage facilities.
   •    Retention of current residents.                         •   Investment in streetscapes and main street programs
   •    Conversion of FIFO to DIDO workforce to resident            to improve the aesthetic appeal of towns.
        population.                                             •   Resources available to address structural or land/
   •    Continued and focused promotion of the Mid West as          planning issues that may be required to improve main
        a desirable place to live, work, study and invest.          street or town functionality.

   •    Attraction of the `retiree’ demographic to the Mid      •   Investment in the local Community Resource
        West.                                                       Centres (CRC) (Telecentres) to support community
                                                                    development initiatives.
   •    Population retention of youth linked to employment
        and education opportunity.                              •   Investment in Childcare facilities to enable parents to
                                                                    fully engage in employment opportunities that may
   •    Reduced need to leave the Mid West for training or          be available.
        higher education.
                                                                •   Improved access to, and participation in, artistic and
   •    Retention of the `younger’ demographic to settle in         cultural activities and facilities.
        the Mid West for lifestyle, business, employment and
        family reasons.                                         Outcome 3
   •    Coordinated planning to accommodate predicted           Enhanced regional unity and promotion
        population growth and account for rapid escalation in   •   A collaborative and unified approach to development
        population as major projects commence.                      in the region.
   •    Provision of quality housing and accommodation to       •   The marketing and promotion of the region as a
        meet the needs of all sectors.                              complete package as a place to visit, live, work,
                                                                    study and invest.
                                                                •   Demonstrate the investability/liveability of the Mid
                                                                    West to attract and retain people to the region.

                                                                Outcome 4
                                                                Balanced urban and coastal development
                                                                •   Phased urban development including residential,
                                                                    commercial and tourism uses and public open space.
                                                                •   Provision of residential and industrial land sufficient
                                                                    for present and future needs.
                                                                •   Planning and delivery of services to ensure
                                                                    community and industry infrastructure progress
                                                                    concurrently.
                                                                •   Development of eco friendly accommodation options.

                                                                Outcome 5
                                                                Improved government services
                                                                •   Improvement of services through identifying gaps in
                                                                    service delivery.
                                                                •   Exploring alternative delivery models for government
                                                                    services to remote communities.
                                                                •   Provision of better quality government buildings,
                                                                    offices and staff housing in the Mid West.
                                                                •   Further development and availability of health and
                                                                    education resources to the community to improve
                                                                    regional quality of life and attract and retain people.
                                                                •   Improved tax rebates and allowances for staff
                                                                    working in regional areas.

12 Mid West Investment Plan
Outcome 6                                                     Outcome 8
Effective health service delivery                             Positive
•   Long term positive health outcomes for the region’s       outcomes for
    residents.                                                Aboriginal people
•   Develop a broader range of health service provision.      •   Improved health and
•   Development of specialist services that can be                education outcomes
    accessed across the region.                                   for Aboriginal
                                                                  people in the
•   Provision of appropriate locally based aged care and          Mid West.
    independent living facilities to encourage people to
    remain in the region.                                     •   Targeted
                                                                  programs and
•   Improved Aboriginal health outcomes across the Mid            services for Aboriginal
    West region.                                                  groups, particularly youth
                                                                  and women’s support
Outcome 7                                                         programs.
A skilled and educated Mid West community                     •   Culturally
•   Increase the level of participation in higher education       appropriate facilities
    across the Mid West.                                          to permit Aboriginal
•   Increase range and capacity of university and training        people of all ages to
    options available at GUC and Durack.                          gather, learn and play.

•   Industry relevant training and education options          •   Improved employment and business opportunities for
    accessible to the whole Mid West community.                   Aboriginal residents.

•   Enhanced capacity building for community leaders          •   Enhanced self determination through increased
    and groups, and retention of these skills in the Mid          participation in local and state governments and
    West.                                                         regional organisations.

•   Attraction of skilled people to the region.               •   Further enhancement of Aboriginal art programs

•   Implementation of Mid West Gascoyne Workforce             •   Hostel accommodation available to support
    Development Plan.                                             Aboriginal people to access health and education
                                                                  services.
•   Quality information technology and communication
    services.                                                 •   Support for recently established Mid West Aboriginal
                                                                  Workforce Development Centre (MWAWDC).
•   Increased numbers and choice of traineeship and
    apprenticeships based in the region.
•   Ongoing partnerships with industry in the region
    to ensure delivery of suitable training to meet local
    demands.
•   Enhancement of research and SMART facilities
    to drive innovation and creativity, and support
    entrepreneurship.

                                                                                                  Mid West Investment Plan 13
Outcome 9                                                     Outcome 10
   Improved regional infrastructure to facilitate                Prosperous and diverse primary industries
   coastal and inland development                                •   A diverse and resilient primary industry sector.
   •    Improved power infrastructure.                           •   Further diversification of fishing, agricultural and
   •    Improved roads systems where main arterials are              pastoral industries.
        safe and meet increased traffic loads.                   •   Value adding opportunities capitalised.
   •    Improved communication technology and services.          •   Improved key infrastructure to support industry,
   •    Adequate, safe, secure and well managed water                particularly water, energy, transport and
        supplies.                                                    communications infrastructure.

   •    Improved facilities for sewage and wastewater            •   Sustainable practices adopted as standard in the Mid
        treatment.                                                   West agriculture, pastoral and fishing industries.

   •    Regional waste facility/facilities.                      •   Continued investment in horticulture, agriculture
                                                                     and pastoral activities, and fisheries research and
   •    Expansion of alternative and renewable energy                management.
        resources.
                                                                 •   Enhancement of research and SMART facilities to
   •    Improved airport facilities at large regional centres        drive innovation and creativity, and support private
        and smaller outlying towns.                                  sector entrepreneurship.
   •    Development of ports, harbours, marinas, jetties         •   Encourage investment in aquaculture and fish
        and boat ramps to support industry and suit the              farming.
        commercial and recreational needs of the region.
                                                                 •   Enhanced job and career development and
   •    Implementation of important cross regional initiatives       succession planning in primary industry to retain
        to continue to connect the inland to the coast eg            younger generations within the family business.
        PortLink project.
   •    Rail networks to adequately support mining and           Outcome 11
        agriculture industry needs.                              Diversified and enhanced minerals and energy
   •    Infrastructure corridors planned to meet current         industries
        and future needs for transport, energy and utilities     •   New mining and oil and gas ventures commenced in
        infrastructure.                                              the Mid West.
                                                                 •   Greater level of exploration for natural resources.
                                                                 •   Promotion of Mid West communities as sources of
                                                                     labour and services for new mining, and as bases for
                                                                     FIFO or DIDO operations
                                                                 •   Provision of relevant support infrastructure such as
                                                                     power, rail and roads.
                                                                 •   Development of Geraldton and Oakajee ports and
                                                                     industrial estate to support start up projects and
                                                                     products.
                                                                 •   Provide port facilities that cater for both bulk and
                                                                     ‘boutique’ (relatively low volume containerised)
                                                                     exports.

14 Mid West Investment Plan
Outcome 12
Continued expansion of the tourism industry
•   Mid West region to be a major tourism destination
    with an established brand.
•   Attractions and services to satisfy a diverse profile of
    tourists.
•   Unique tourism experiences eg wildflowers, Abrolhos
    Islands, Outback Pathways and Aboriginal Tourism.
•   Abrolhos Islands promoted as an accessible,
    ecofriendly tourism site.
•   Improved air services both within and to the region.
•   Broad range of accommodation types available.
•   Safe and regularly improved road networks eg
    additional passing lanes along the Indian Ocean
    Drive.

Outcome 13                                                     Outcome 14
Establishment of new and innovative industries                 A valued and
and services                                                   protected natural and built environment
•   Encouraging innovation and creativity across all           •   Appropriate assessment, management and regional
    sectors eg SMART Mid West.                                     planning of the competing demands on the natural,
                                                                   built and social landscape e.g. land and water.
•   Identify and pursue new opportunities such as the
    development of renewable energy initiatives.               •   An appropriate coastal management strategy is in
                                                                   place and resources committed to protection and
•   Developing collaborative advantage through clusters            management as required.
    and technology business hubs eg Mid West as the
    centre for renewable energy in Western Australia.          •   A long term approach to sustainable natural resource
                                                                   management.
•   Increased export opportunities for Mid West
    products.                                                  •   An effective and adequately resourced regional waste
                                                                   management strategy.
•   Development in partnership research facilities eg
    SKA, climate change, renewable energy, Abrolhos            •   Balance between a growing economy, environmental
    Islands research facilities at Rat Island etc.                 and community values.
                                                               •   Heritage sites identified, protected and conserved.
                                                               •   Increased use of renewable energy at large (utility)
                                                                   and small (domestic and civic buildings) scales.
                                                               •   Climate change and carbon neutral approaches to
                                                                   planning.
                                                               •   Appropriate management of the crown conservation
                                                                   estate.

                                                                                                     Mid West Investment Plan 15
Outcome 1:                                                        QUICK FACTS & STATS
   Substantial Increase in Population                                Source for statistics: ABS 2009
   The estimated population of the Mid West Region in 2009           •   The ERP of the Mid West region in 2009 was 54,984.
   was 54,984 (ABS, 2009), 2.4% of the total population
                                                                     •   Geraldton ERP (2009): 37,895
   of Western Australia. In 2004, the WAPC forecast the
   population of the Mid West to increase to 58,100 in               •   North Midlands ERP (2009): 4,555
   2031, however, by 2009 the region’s population had                •   Batavia Coast ERP (2009): 46,978
   almost reached the projected estimate for 2015 of
   55,000 residents. These variances continue to challenge           •   Murchison ERP (2009): 3,451
   the appropriate planning for community and social
   support infrastructure throughout the region. Population
   projections for Western Australia also show that the
   average age of the population will increase, which also
   needs to be factored into infrastructure planning.
   The City of Geraldton-Greenough has the largest
   population of the region’s 18 local government areas
   with 37 895 residents, 68.9% of the regional total. The
   smallest is in the Shire of Murchison with an estimated
   114 residents. In the 10 years to June 2009, the region’s
   population increased at an average annual rate of 1.0%
   (See Table 1 for Population details by local government
   area (RDL 2011)). The highest population increase was
   in the Shire of Irwin, where the ERP grew at an average
   annual rate of 2.2%. The greatest decline was in the
   Shire of Meekatharra, with an average of -3.2% per
   annum over the same period.
   Aboriginal people make up 10.6% of the Mid West
   population, with 5,493 estimated residents. The Shire
   of Meekatharra has the highest proportion of Aboriginal
   people at 51.6% of the population. With some Aboriginal
   people being transient, the number and location of
   Aboriginal people is difficult to quantify, particularly in the
   Murchison. This has implications for service delivery.

                                                                     Figure 3: Mid West Population Growth

16 Mid West Investment Plan
Table 1: Population Scenarios (Mid West Region
Investability Model Phase Three – Applied Knowledge
Consulting 2010)

Source               2016             2021                 2026             2031
ABS                  63,014 (2015)    70,601(2020)         79,103(2025)     88,628(2030)
WAPC                 55,400           57,000               57,800           58,100
Economic
Forecast             63,990           72,960               81,305           90,431
Economic
Forecast with
multiplier           70,089           79,824               89,988           99,681

Table 2: Population growth in the Mid West 1999-2009 by
local government (RDL 2011 Regional Snapshot)

                                                                           AAGR      Aboriginal
                                                             % share
 Region/LGA                           1999       2009                       1999-     % share
                                                                2009
                                                                          2009 %          2006

 MID WEST                            49,847    54,984         100.0%          1.0       10.6%

 Carnamah (S)                          857           763          1.4%       -1.2          5.9%

 Chapman Valley (S)                    873       1,069            1.9%        2.0          4.1%

 Coorow (S)                           1,478      1,185            2.2%       -2.2          1.6%

 Cue (S)                               391           302          0.5%       -2.5       38.8%

 Geraldton/Greenough (C)             31,854    37,895          68.9%          1.8          9.0%

 Irwin (S)                            2,898      3,595            6.5%        2.2          2.2%

 Meekatharra (S)                      1,690      1,218            2.2%       -3.2       51.6%

 Mingenew (S)                          599           457          0.8%       -2.7          5.9%

 Morawa (S)                           1,048          882          1.6%       -1.7       11.6%

 Mount Magnet (S)                      798           664          1.2%       -1.8       24.7%

 Mullewa (S)                          1,100          878          1.6%       -2.2       30.1%

 Murchison (S)                         157           114          0.2%       -3.1       34.5%

 Northampton (S)                      3,244      3,541            6.4%        0.9          5.7%

 Perenjori (S)                         620           536          1.0%       -1.4       11.1%

 Sandstone (S)                         147           133          0.2%       -1.0       25.2%

 Three Springs (S)                     787           732          1.3%       -0.7          6.4%

 Wiluna (S)                            985           755          1.4%       -2.6       40.7%

 Yalgoo (S)                            321           265          0.5%       -1.9       42.8%

 Source: ABS 2009

                                                                                                  Mid West Investment Plan 17
Outcome 2:
   Refreshed and Revitalised Mid West                             •   Upgrading of existing road, energy,
   Effective regional development relies on the provision             telecommunications and rail networks;
   and maintenance of infrastructure. Without adequate            •   Reducing the impact of heavy vehicles through
   infrastructure in power, water, telecommunications                 townsites;
   and social infrastructure, towns and whole regions
   will deteriorate, forcing the population towards the           •   Restoring the capacity of existing essential service
   metropolitan area or major regional centres. Maintaining           infrastructure to cater for current needs and future
   and upgrading infrastructure is essential to ensure the            growth;
   region and its communities can meet the current and            •   Enhancing the ability of inland towns to attract new
   future needs of its residents, as well as attract and retain       residents and businesses; and
   new residents.
                                                                  •   Providing local government with adequate planning
   A constant theme in consultations with the Mid West                resources to support future growth arising from major
   local governments was the need for revitalisation and/or           projects including Oakajee and related developments.
   enhancement of their towns with investment in essential
   recreational, cultural and heritage facilities. In general,    Sporting and recreational facilities in many towns are
   enhancements to socioeconomic infrastructure and               either lacking altogether or out dated and no longer able
   improvements to the aesthetics and functionality of main       to meet current needs. Swimming pools, sporting clubs
   street and town areas were consistently identified.            and town halls are probably highest on the list of priorities
                                                                  for upgrades, as a large number were built back in the
   A number of common issues have been identified that            1960’s-70’s and require upgrading or replacement.
   affect most local governments in the Mid West, including:
                                                                  With the ageing population the provision of aged care
                                                                  facilities is of increasing importance. In particular,
                                                                  investment in aged care that provides pathways from
                                                                  low through high and to intensive care will have benefits
                                                                  by retaining several generations of families within the
                                                                  community. Elderly people who are no longer able to stay
                                                                  on their rural properties or who want to move out of larger
                                                                  homes require a secure place that can accommodate
                                                                  their needs, while also remaining connected to friends
                                                                  and family in the region. In this respect, supportive health
                                                                  facilities are fundamentally important to retaining people
                                                                  in communities.
                                                                  The lack of infill sewage in a number of communities can
                                                                  impact the environment, have health implications and will
                                                                  require future investment to facilitate further growth and
                                                                  development in the region. As awareness of the benefits
                                                                  of recycling programs and reducing the environmental
                                                                  footprint penetrates the community, the need for
                                                                  sub regional landfill sites for commercial and household
                                                                  waste and a regional waste strategy is becoming
                                                                  increasingly important.
                                                                  Availability of land (residential, commercial, industrial)
                                                                  is fundamental to regional development and the ability
                                                                  of communities to capture benefit from major projects.
                                                                  Innovative models to encourage both public and private
                                                                  investment need to be developed to meet this need.
                                                                  Roads are a key priority for local governments in regional
                                                                  areas and this was reflected in the Mid West local
                                                                  government workshops. The large region and dispersed
                                                                  population centres means that all residents are reliant
                                                                  on quality and safe road infrastructure for the operation
                                                                  of their businesses, supporting industry and private
                                                                  activities.

18 Mid West Investment Plan
Outcome 3:
Enhanced Regional Unity and Promotion
The Mid West region is one of nine Regional Development
Commission regions in Western Australia. Each of the
sub regions within the Mid West (Batavia Coast, North
Midlands and Murchison) are distinct and their population
centres are significant distances from each other. The
development of these sub regional groupings as well
as dialogue between local governments on reform has
enhanced a collective perspective to regional planning.
Working together would improve the region’s leverage in
attracting developments, residents and services.
A united approach to planning for infrastructure
investment across the Mid West is required to ensure that
project development and delivery of infrastructure occurs
efficiently and equitably. While the MWRPIF will address
infrastructure needs at a regional level, there is a need for
a similar, sub regional approach for economic, community
and social infrastructure. In collaboration with the DOP,
the MWDC intends to work within that space and provide
MWIP as an ongoing vehicle for sub regional needs
assessments over time.
Tourism is primarily promoted through Australia’s Coral
Coast and Australia’s Golden Outback; the former being
a zone that stretches from Lancelin to Exmouth and the
hinterland covered by the latter. There is much to be
gained by a unified approach to marketing and promoting
the Mid West as a great place to live, work, study and
invest.

                                                                Mid West Investment Plan 19
Outcome 4:                                                  A significant portion of each local government’s
   Balanced Urban and Coastal Development                      population is located in a few centres. If this trend
                                                               continues, much of the growth predicted by 2021
   The Mid West region covers an area of over 472,000 km2
                                                               will occur in these centres. Coastal centres such as
   with a coastline that stretches approximately 330 km.
                                                               Geraldton-Greenough, Kalbarri, Port Denison, Leeman,
   With a total population of around 55,000 the area has
                                                               Greenhead and Dongara are experiencing strong
   a very low population density overall. With the steady
                                                               subdivision activity and this trend looks likely to continue.
   decline of the agricultural and pastoral industry in much
                                                               The Murchison sub region faces a challenge in population
   of the Mid West there has been a marked shift in the
                                                               retention.
   demographic structure of the region.
                                                               The WAPC, with the DOP, has established the MWRPC.
   People have moved away from the inland shires towards
                                                               The MWRPC is one of four new regional committees
   coastal local governments such as Geraldton-Greenough,
                                                               established in Western Australia in response to economic,
   Irwin, Coorow, Northampton and Chapman Valley. The
                                                               social and environmental pressures in the regions.
   recent population figures substantiate this movement, as
   there has been a steady population decline in many of       Local governments and the DOP are conscious of the
   the inland local governments over the preceding decades     pressures of the demographic movement to coastal
   and a proportionate incline in the population density of    communities and the strains it places on social
   the coastal local governments. The trend over the last      infrastructure. For example the DOP, City of Geraldton-
   four decades is almost a tale of two differing scenarios    Greenough and the Shire of Irwin have initiated a
   - local government areas with coastal communities (eg       coastal planning project in the Dongara to Cape Burney
   Leeman and Greenhead) have more than doubled in             coastal area. This project will provide strategic planning
   population while the rural (eg Mingenew) and pastoral       guidance for future sustainable development, subdivision
   areas (eg Murchison) have seen a slow and steady            and land use along the Dongara to Cape Burney coastal
   decline in population over that time. That said, a number   strip underpinned by sound environmental principles.
   of inland towns are reversing declining population as a     It will result in the development of a strategic coastal
   consequence of resource project developments.               management plan that will be used by planners,
                                                               developers and the community.
                                                               A number of inland local governments also consider
                                                               that the anticipated resource developments in the region
                                                               could be leveraged to attract new employment and
                                                               business opportunities to existing towns. With new major
                                                               projects comes an increase in the regional workforce, and
                                                               this potential workforce will have a direct impact on the
                                                               size of the regional population. The effect on the local
                                                               communities will predominantly be gauged by the use of
                                                               FIFO workers in comparison with the number of resident
                                                               employees.
                                                               The City of Geraldton-Greenough has been proactive in
                                                               developing a sustainable future city planning initiative.
                                                               To make the most of the unprecedented development
                                                               opportunities and challenges facing the greater Geraldton
                                                               region, the City, supported by a $300,000 grant from
                                                               MWDC (through the Royalties for Regions Regional
                                                               Grants Scheme), is leading an innovative project to create
                                                               a collaborative vision and plans for the future. This
                                                               project will fully engage the local and regional community
                                                               to develop a long term framework for sustainable
                                                               development and growth for the region. The resulting
                                                               plan will provide all sectors of the region with a greater
                                                               level of agreement, clarity and certainty about the future.

20 Mid West Investment Plan
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